By JILL SHERIDAN
A former mayoral candidate has donated funds to help improve animal care in Indianapolis. The gift comes from Jefferson Shreve, who vowed to give his mayoral salary to the effort if elected.
A $100,000 gift, about the equivalent of the mayor’s salary, will go to Friends of Indy Animals.
The nonprofit supports Indianapolis Animal Care Services, IACS, the city’s animal shelter. Shreve said this money will be spent on priority needs.
“[It] will be earmarked specifically for 24-hour emergency vet support, which is their most critical need as animals are injured or come in injured and need that care that’s the most acute need,” Shreve said.
The current IACS building is experiencing overcrowding, and construction on a new building is delayed.
During his campaign, Shreve highlighted issues at the shelter and pledged to make animal services a priority.
Five other animal nonprofits will each receive $10,000 gifts, including Lucci’s House Bully Rescue. In October, founder Laurie Collins signed onto a letter urging city leaders to address the dire situation. She said she’s still frustrated.
“If there was truly going to be action why hasn’t it happened, why?” Collins said. “Dogs are dying every day.”
Jason Larrison leads the board of Friends of Indy Animals. He also serves as a City-County Councilor and will be retiring this year. He said IACS faces unique challenges.
“Our city shelters are required by law to take any and every animal regardless of type or temperament,” Larrison said. “Additionally, Indianapolis Animal Care Services is the largest shelter in the state and is presented with many challenges not faced by other shelters in our city or state.”
Friends of Indy Animals helps fund medical supplies and services, shelter diversion and other assistance for the shelter.
The other four groups that will receive funding include Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside, Four-Legged Ranch, Indy Neighborhood Cats, and Rosie’s Southside Animal Rescue.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.
